Glass is used in optical devices, gauges and measuring instruments, lab equipment, lasers, LED lighting, vehicle windows, and countless other ways across industries. These mission- and safety-critical applications often call for precision custom manufacturing in order to meet the needs of highly specialized equipment.
As a result, selecting the right glass fabricator for the job is essential to getting a high-quality end product that is durable, meets all requirements, and functions as intended. A reliable vendor will have the capabilities needed, including cutting, tempering, and finishing, as well as the capacity to deliver finished glass components in a timely manner.
With almost a century of experience in glass manufacturing, Swift Glass understands what customers value and need when it comes to working with a custom glass vendor. Here, we’ll look at the most important things to consider and several questions to pose when choosing a glass fabricator for your next project.
Essential Criteria for Selecting a Glass Fabrication Vendor
The vendor you choose should have the manufacturing capabilities and capacity to meet your specifications and quality requirements, along with any relevant industry standards, depending on the application.
These are the major factors to consider closely when selecting a custom glass fabricator:
A vendor’s ability to manufacture high-quality glass components that meet customer requirements is one of the most important things to look for. The following are especially important:
- Cleanroom Capabilities. Cleanrooms provide a controlled environment for manufacturing, packaging, and inspection services. There are several classifications for cleanroom technical cleanliness, which are based on the allowable quantity of particles per unit of air volume. Temperatures, easy-clean surfaces, and protective equipment may also be specified depending on the application, such as medical and optical devices.
- Domestic Facilities. Products manufactured in the USA can prove beneficial for quality control and marketing purposes. Domestically produced parts offer supply chain reliability, easier communication, and reduced shipping costs and lead times.
- Inspection Equipment. Consistent, careful inspection processes ensure that glass components meet specifications, are well-made, and will be functional in final use. Ensure that your vendor inspects all orders, from prototypes to large-volume runs.
- Quality Control Certifications and Protocols. Manufacturers that are certified for quality management systems must have detailed quality processes and protocols in place throughout production. These certifications indicate they are likely to produce consistent, high-quality parts and products.
- Reputation and Experience. Companies with a well-established reputation for high-quality work and solid customer service are usually invested in maintaining it by treating customers well and meeting their needs. For example, Swift Glass has been a trusted custom glass fabrication vendor since 1927.
A glass fabricator with a range of capabilities and industry experience has the flexibility and adaptability to take on a larger variety of custom projects. This is helpful for building long-term partnerships and reducing risk for the customer. Here are some capabilities to look for:
- Large Scope of Production Capabilities. Look for vendors with experience in small- and large-scale production, prototyping, and an understanding of your particular industry.
- Extensive Material Inventory. Manufacturers that maintain a diverse inventory of materials increase production efficiency because they are more likely to already stock the materials and components you need. At Swift Glass, we stock materials including Borofloat®, Pyrex®, Float, Vycor®, and Quartz.
- In-House Services (i.e., Turnkey Solutions) and Variety of Equipment. Vendors that offered-to-end turnkey solutions that include a range of manufacturing capabilities, finishing, and value-added or secondary services simplify the supply chain and reduce lead times. Swift Glass has equipment for drilling, tempering, polishing, grinding, cutting, and more, which lets us handle intricate and complex projects of any size, lowering overall costs and accelerating turnaround time.
Look for a vendor with responsive customer service, clear communication, and a commitment to reducing costs without compromising quality. The Swift Glass team works with each customer to fully understand the application requirements, design intent, and specifications to achieve an optimal outcome.
Key Questions to Ask Your Glass Fabricator
Why Choose Swift Glass as Your Trusted Glass Part Fabricator?
Swift Glass is an accomplished custom glass fabricator with decades of service to customers in many industries. What sets us apart is our varied experience, inventory of materials and precision equipment, manufacturing skill, and commitment to quality and short lead times.
Here’s what constitutes the Swift Glass difference:
Breadth of Industry Experience:
Extensive Glass Material Inventory:
- Borosilicate
- Clear Float Glass
- Corning®
- Fused Silica
- Gorilla®
- Low Iron Glass
- Quartz
- Soda Lime
Glass Manufacturing Capabilities:
- Chemical glass strengthening
- Edge polishing and grinding
- Glass CNC machining
- Glass cutting
- Glass drilling
- Glass wafer fabrication
- Surface polishing and lapping
- Thermal glass tempering
- Waterjet cutting
Industry Standards & Certifications:
- ASTM and international standards compliance
- ISO 9001:2015 certification
- ITAR registration
- MIL-SPEC compliance
- MIL-SPEC compliance
Quality Assurance
We are committed to quality control and use advanced inspection equipment and methods for validation. Our inspection equipment includes coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), an interferometer, an optical comparator, and more.
Quick Turnaround Times
We can achieve short lead times because we stock a large selection of common glass and raw materials in our facility. This greatly reduces the chance that materials must be ordered separately, and allows us to get right to work on your project.
Ready to Discuss Your Glass Fabrication Project? Contact Us Today!
Finding a glass fabricator that meets your manufacturing and quality requirements is crucial to your project’s success. Swift Glass has the capabilities and expertise to be your one-stop solution for custom glass fabrication from prototyping to end-to-end production.
Contact us to learn how Swift Glass can bring your custom project to life, or request a quote to get started.
